300+ Classic Literature Names for Girls (Sophisticated Book-Inspired Baby Names)

Classic literature names for girls are experiencing an incredible renaissance, and there’s never been a better time to give your daughter a name with centuries of stories behind it.

Picture this: your little one carrying the intelligence of Jane Eyre, the determination of Jo March, or the grace of Elizabeth Bennet right in her name.

Last summer, while browsing my favorite independent bookstore in Portland, I overheard a pregnant woman telling her partner, “I want our daughter to have a name with a story behind it—something that connects her to all the strong women who came before.”

That conversation has stuck with me because it perfectly captures why so many modern parents are turning to literature for naming inspiration.

The beauty of literary names lies not just in their melodic sounds, but in their rich backstories.

When you choose a name like Charlotte (inspired by Charlotte Brontë) or Harper (honoring Harper Lee), you’re giving your daughter both a beautiful name and a powerful legacy.

This comprehensive guide features 300+ carefully selected names from beloved works of literature, each carrying the strength, wisdom, and character of unforgettable heroines.

Victorian & Classic Novel Heroines: Names with Timeless Grace

The Victorian era gave us some of literature’s most beloved female characters, and their names continue to inspire parents seeking elegance with substance. For those looking for similar vintage charm, you might also love our collection of vintage girl names.

Jane Austen’s Heroines

• Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice) – Hebrew meaning “God is my oath.” Intelligent, spirited, and independent
• Jane (Pride and Prejudice) – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious.” Gentle yet strong-willed
• Emma (Emma) – Germanic meaning “universal.” Confident and well-meaning matchmaker
• Catherine (Northanger Abbey) – Greek meaning “pure.” Imaginative and romantic
• Anne (Persuasion) – Hebrew meaning “grace.” Quiet strength and wisdom
• Marianne (Sense and Sensibility) – French meaning “bitter grace.” Passionate and artistic
• Elinor (Sense and Sensibility) – Greek meaning “bright light.” Sensible and caring
• Fanny (Mansfield Park) – French meaning “free.” Moral compass and gentle nature

Brontë Sisters’ Creations

• Jane (Jane Eyre) – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious.” Fierce independence and integrity
• Charlotte (Charlotte Brontë herself) – French meaning “free person.” Pioneer and rebel
• Emily (Emily Brontë) – Latin meaning “rival.” Wild and passionate spirit
• Anne (Anne Brontë) – Hebrew meaning “grace.” Quiet revolutionary
• Bertha (Jane Eyre) – Germanic meaning “bright.” Complex and misunderstood
• Catherine (Wuthering Heights) – Greek meaning “pure.” Tempestuous and unforgettable
• Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights) – Old English meaning “heath cliff.” Though typically masculine, gaining popularity for girls

Charles Dickens Characters

• Estella (Great Expectations) – Latin meaning “star.” Beautiful but distant
• Pip (Great Expectations) – English meaning “seed.” Though traditionally male, increasingly unisex
• Dora (David Copperfield) – Greek meaning “gift.” Sweet and childlike
• Agnes (David Copperfield) – Greek meaning “pure.” Kind and steadfast
• Nancy (Oliver Twist) – Hebrew meaning “grace.” Tragic but loyal
• Rose (Oliver Twist) – Latin meaning “rose flower.” Pure and compassionate
• Little Nell (The Old Curiosity Shop) – English meaning “bright light.” Innocent and pure
• Lucie (A Tale of Two Cities) – Latin meaning “light.” Golden thread of hope

George Eliot’s Women

• Dorothea (Middlemarch) – Greek meaning “gift of God.” Idealistic and determined
• Maggie (The Mill on the Floss) – Greek meaning “pearl.” Intelligent and torn
• Silas (Silas Marner) – Latin meaning “forest.” Though masculine, gaining unisex appeal
• Eppie (Silas Marner) – Hebrew meaning “fruitful.” Joy and redemption
• Gwendolen (Daniel Deronda) – Welsh meaning “white ring.” Beautiful and ambitious
• Mirah (Daniel Deronda) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Sweet and musical

Other Victorian Classics

• Becky (Vanity Fair) – Hebrew meaning “to bind.” Sharp and ambitious
• Amelia (Vanity Fair) – Germanic meaning “work.” Gentle and loyal
• Tess (Tess of the d’Urbervilles) – Greek meaning “harvest.” Pure heart despite trials
• Bathsheba (Far from the Madding Crowd) – Hebrew meaning “daughter of oath.” Independent farmer
• Fanny (Far from the Madding Crowd) – French meaning “free.” Devoted and tragic
• Jude (Jude the Obscure) – Hebrew meaning “praised.” Ambitious dreamer
• Sue (Jude the Obscure) – Hebrew meaning “lily.” Free-thinking and complex
• Clarissa (Clarissa) – Latin meaning “bright.” Noble and virtuous
• Pamela (Pamela) – Greek meaning “all honey.” Virtuous and steadfast
• Moll (Moll Flanders) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Resilient survivor
• Roxana (Roxana) – Persian meaning “dawn.” Beautiful and ambitious

Gothic Romance Heroines

• Mina (Dracula) – Germanic meaning “love.” Brave and pure
• Lucy (Dracula) – Latin meaning “light.” Innocent and tragic
• Isabella (The Castle of Otranto) – Hebrew meaning “God is my oath.” Virtuous and persecuted
• Emily (The Mysteries of Udolpho) – Latin meaning “rival.” Sensitive and brave
• Antonia (The Monk) – Latin meaning “priceless.” Pure and innocent
• Matilda (The Monk) – Germanic meaning “mighty battle.” Strong and determined
• Adeline (The Romance of the Forest) – Germanic meaning “noble.” Mysterious orphan
• Julia (The Romance of the Forest) – Latin meaning “youthful.” Romantic and loyal
• Vivina (The Children of the Abbey) – Latin meaning “alive.” Spirited heroine
• Amanda (The Children of the Abbey) – Latin meaning “lovable.” Noble and kind

Romantic Era Names

• Evangeline (Evangeline) – Greek meaning “good news.” Patient and faithful
• Lenore (The Raven) – Greek meaning “light.” Ethereal and mourned
• Annabel (Annabel Lee) – Hebrew meaning “grace” + Celtic “beautiful.” Beloved and lost
• Christabel (Christabel) – Latin meaning “Christ” + “beautiful.” Innocent and pure
• Geraldine (Christabel) – Germanic meaning “spear ruler.” Mysterious and seductive
• Laura (Petrarch’s sonnets) – Latin meaning “laurel.” Inspiring muse
• Beatrice (Divine Comedy) – Latin meaning “bringer of joy.” Divine guide
• Francesca (Divine Comedy) – Latin meaning “French.” Tragic lover
• Guinevere (Arthurian legends) – Welsh meaning “white phantom.” Queen and beloved
• Isolde (Tristan and Isolde) – Germanic meaning “ice ruler.” Passionate and tragic

American Literature Pioneers

• Hester (The Scarlet Letter) – Persian meaning “star.” Strong despite shame
• Pearl (The Scarlet Letter) – Latin meaning “pearl.” Wild and natural
• Hope (Hope Leslie) – English meaning “hope.” Optimistic pioneer
• Cora (The Last of the Mohicans) – Greek meaning “maiden.” Brave and noble
• Alice (The Last of the Mohicans) – Germanic meaning “noble.” Gentle and pure
• Zenobia (The Blithedale Romance) – Greek meaning “life of Zeus.” Powerful reformer
• Priscilla (The Blithedale Romance) – Latin meaning “ancient.” Simple and pure
• Phoebe (The House of Seven Gables) – Greek meaning “bright.” Cheerful and healing
• Hepzibah (The House of Seven Gables) – Hebrew meaning “my delight is in her.” Noble but fallen
• Rappaccini (Rappaccini’s Daughter) – Italian surname. Beautiful but poisonous
• Georgiana (The Birthmark) – Greek meaning “farmer.” Perfect beauty marred
• Aylmer (The Birthmark) – Old English meaning “noble famous.” Though masculine, gaining unisex use
• Rowena (Ivanhoe) – Germanic meaning “fame joy.” Saxon beauty
• Rebecca (Ivanhoe) – Hebrew meaning “to bind.” Jewish heroine
• Ellen (The Lady of the Lake) – Greek meaning “light.” Highland beauty

For parents drawn to these Victorian sensibilities, our British girl names collection offers additional elegant options.

Modern Literature & Young Adult Heroines

Contemporary literature has given us incredibly strong female characters whose names resonate with today’s parents seeking both modernity and meaning.

20th Century Classics

• Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird) – English meaning “listener.” Brave and curious
• Josephine (Little Women) – Hebrew meaning “God will increase.” Independent writer
• Amy (Little Women) – Latin meaning “beloved.” Artistic and ambitious
• Beth (Little Women) – Hebrew meaning “house of God.” Gentle and musical
• Meg (Little Women) – Greek meaning “pearl.” Traditional and nurturing
• Laurie (Little Women) – Latin meaning “laurel.” Though traditionally male, increasingly unisex
• Daisy (The Great Gatsby) – English meaning “daisy flower.” Beautiful and elusive
• Jordan (The Great Gatsby) – Hebrew meaning “flowing down.” Modern and athletic
• Myrtle (The Great Gatsby) – Greek meaning “myrtle tree.” Tragic mistress
• Catherine (A Farewell to Arms) – Greek meaning “pure.” Brave nurse
• Brett (The Sun Also Rises) – Celtic meaning “from Brittany.” Independent and modern
• Maria (For Whom the Bell Tolls) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Strong guerrilla fighter
• Pilar (For Whom the Bell Tolls) – Spanish meaning “pillar.” Wise and strong
• Temple (Sanctuary) – Latin meaning “temple.” Tragic victim
• Caddy (The Sound and the Fury) – English meaning “brave in war.” Complex and tragic

Here’s the fascinating trivia: Jane Austen never revealed her authorship during her lifetime, publishing only as “By a Lady,” yet her Elizabeth Bennet has inspired thousands of baby names across generations.

Mid-Century Heroines

• Holden (The Catcher in the Rye) – English meaning “hollow valley.” Though masculine, gaining unisex appeal
• Esther (The Bell Jar) – Persian meaning “star.” Struggling with mental health
• Mattie (Ethan Frome) – Hebrew meaning “gift of God.” Young and tragic
• Zeena (Ethan Frome) – Greek meaning “life of Zeus.” Sickly wife
• Antonia (My Ántonia) – Latin meaning “priceless.” Strong immigrant
• Lena (My Ántonia) – Greek meaning “light.” Beautiful and sad
• Frances (My Ántonia) – Latin meaning “French.” Cultured and refined
• Alexandra (O Pioneers!) – Greek meaning “defender of men.” Pioneer woman
• Marie (O Pioneers!) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Tragic beauty
• Lou (O Pioneers!) – Germanic meaning “famous warrior.” Practical sister
• Willa (Willa Cather herself) – Germanic meaning “resolute protection.” Pioneer author
• Edith (Edith Wharton) – Old English meaning “prosperous war.” Gilded Age chronicler
• Ellen (The Age of Innocence) – Greek meaning “light.” Countess with past
• May (The Age of Innocence) – Latin meaning “great.” Conventional bride
• Charity (Summer) – Latin meaning “charity.” Mountain girl
• Lily (The House of Mirth) – Latin meaning “lily flower.” Beautiful and tragic socialite
• Undine (The Custom of the Country) – Latin meaning “water sprite.” Ambitious climber
• Mattie (Ethan Frome) – Hebrew meaning “gift of God.” Young and innocent
• Anna (Anna Karenina) – Hebrew meaning “grace.” Passionate and doomed
• Natasha (War and Peace) – Russian meaning “Christmas.” Spirited and loving

Beat Generation & Counter-Culture

• Dharma (The Dharma Bums) – Sanskrit meaning “righteousness.” Spiritual seeker
• Japhy (The Dharma Bums) – Hebrew meaning “God will increase.” Though masculine, gaining unisex use
• Marylou (On the Road) – Combination of Mary + Lou. Free spirit
• Camille (On the Road) – Latin meaning “attendant.” Dean’s wife
• Galatea (On the Road) – Greek meaning “milk white.” Dean’s lover
• Terry (On the Road) – Germanic meaning “ruler of people.” Mexican worker
• Inez (On the Road) – Spanish meaning “pure.” Dean’s lover
• Lucille (On the Road) – Latin meaning “light.” Sal’s aunt
• Rita (On the Road) – Sanskrit meaning “brave.” Denver girlfriend
• Babe (On the Road) – English meaning “baby.” Young companion

Southern Gothic & Regional Literature

• Flannery (Flannery O’Connor) – Irish meaning “red warrior.” Master of Southern Gothic
• Carson (Carson McCullers) – Scottish meaning “son of marsh dwellers.” Though traditionally masculine
• Frankie (The Member of the Wedding) – Latin meaning “French.” Tomboy dreamer
• Berenice (The Member of the Wedding) – Greek meaning “victory bringer.” Wise housekeeper
• Mick (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) – Hebrew meaning “who is like God.” Tomboy musician
• Biff (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) – English meaning “strike.” Though masculine, nickname potential
• Portia (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) – Latin meaning “pig.” Doctor’s daughter
• Singer (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) – English meaning “singer.” Though surname, gaining first name use
• Amelia (The Ballad of the Sad Café) – Germanic meaning “work.” Mannish café owner
• Marvin (The Ballad of the Sad Café) – Welsh meaning “sea hill.” Though masculine, increasingly unisex
• Cousin Lymon (The Ballad of the Sad Café) – Greek meaning “meadow.” Hunchbacked beloved
• Temple (Sanctuary) – Latin meaning “temple.” Innocent victim
• Ruby (Sanctuary) – Latin meaning “red gemstone.” Tough woman
• Dewey Dell (As I Lay Dying) – English meaning “valley of dew.” Pregnant daughter
• Addie (As I Lay Dying) – Germanic meaning “noble.” Dead matriarch

International Modern Classics

• Lolita (Lolita) – Spanish meaning “sorrows.” Controversial but literary
• Dolores (Lolita) – Spanish meaning “sorrows.” Lolita’s real name
• Charlotte (Lolita) – French meaning “free person.” Humbert’s wife
• Clare (The Time Traveler’s Wife) – Latin meaning “bright.” Time traveler’s love
• Henry (The Time Traveler’s Wife) – Germanic meaning “home ruler.” Though masculine, gaining unisex use
• Alba (The Time Traveler’s Wife) – Latin meaning “dawn.” Time traveler’s daughter
• Offred (The Handmaid’s Tale) – English meaning “of Fred.” Dystopian handmaid
• Serena (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Latin meaning “serene.” Commander’s wife
• Moira (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Irish meaning “bitter.” Rebellious friend
• Janine (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious.” Fellow handmaid
• Rita (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Sanskrit meaning “brave.” Household Martha
• Aunt Lydia (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Greek meaning “from Lydia.” Strict trainer
• Ofglen (The Handmaid’s Tale) – English meaning “of Glen.” Another handmaid
• Deglen (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Invented name. Resistance member
• Nick (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Greek meaning “victory.” Though masculine, increasingly unisex

Did you know that Harper Lee’s Scout Finch was originally named Jean Louise? This gives us two wonderful literary name options from one beloved character.

Shakespearean & Poetry-Inspired Names

The Bard’s heroines continue to inspire parents with their musical names and complex characters. These names pair beautifully with our British boy names for literary siblings.

Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroines

• Juliet (Romeo and Juliet) – Latin meaning “youthful.” Passionate young lover
• Ophelia (Hamlet) – Greek meaning “help.” Tragic innocent
• Desdemona (Othello) – Greek meaning “ill-starred.” Faithful wife
• Cordelia (King Lear) – Celtic meaning “daughter of the sea.” Loyal daughter
• Lady Macbeth (Macbeth) – Scottish meaning “son of life.” Ambitious queen
• Portia (The Merchant of Venice) – Latin meaning “pig.” Clever heiress
• Nerissa (The Merchant of Venice) – Greek meaning “from the sea.” Loyal friend
• Jessica (The Merchant of Venice) – Hebrew meaning “God beholds.” Shylock’s daughter
• Emilia (Othello) – Latin meaning “rival.” Iago’s wife
• Bianca (Othello) – Italian meaning “white.” Cassio’s lover

Shakespeare’s Comic Heroines

• Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing) – Latin meaning “bringer of joy.” Witty and sharp
• Hero (Much Ado About Nothing) – Greek meaning “hero.” Gentle and wronged
• Rosalind (As You Like It) – Germanic meaning “gentle horse.” Disguised heroine
• Celia (As You Like It) – Latin meaning “heavenly.” Loyal cousin
• Viola (Twelfth Night) – Latin meaning “violet.” Cross-dressing heroine
• Olivia (Twelfth Night) – Latin meaning “olive tree.” Mourning countess
• Maria (Twelfth Night) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Clever servant
• Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – Greek meaning “bright light.” Persistent lover
• Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – Greek meaning “messenger.” Defiant daughter
• Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – Greek meaning “giant.” Fairy queen
• Miranda (The Tempest) – Latin meaning “marvelous.” Innocent island dweller
• Ariel (The Tempest) – Hebrew meaning “lion of God.” Spirit servant
• Perdita (The Winter’s Tale) – Latin meaning “lost.” Found princess
• Hermione (The Winter’s Tale) – Greek meaning “messenger.” Wronged queen
• Paulina (The Winter’s Tale) – Latin meaning “small.” Loyal friend

Shakespeare’s Historical Women

• Cleopatra (Antony and Cleopatra) – Greek meaning “glory of the father.” Egyptian queen
• Octavia (Antony and Cleopatra) – Latin meaning “eighth.” Caesar’s sister
• Charmian (Antony and Cleopatra) – Greek meaning “joy.” Loyal attendant
• Iras (Antony and Cleopatra) – Greek meaning “watchful.” Faithful servant
• Volumnia (Coriolanus) – Latin meaning “to roll.” Proud mother
• Virgilia (Coriolanus) – Latin meaning “flourishing.” Gentle wife
• Valeria (Coriolanus) – Latin meaning “strong.” Noble friend
• Katherine (Henry V) – Greek meaning “pure.” French princess
• Alice (Henry V) – Germanic meaning “noble.” Katherine’s companion
• Constance (King John) – Latin meaning “constant.” Arthur’s mother

Poetry’s Immortal Muses

• Laura (Petrarch’s sonnets) – Latin meaning “laurel.” Idealized beloved
• Stella (Sidney’s sonnets) – Latin meaning “star.” Bright beloved
• Cynthia (Spenser’s poems) – Greek meaning “moon goddess.” Lunar beauty
• Gloriana (The Faerie Queene) – Latin meaning “glory.” Fairy queen
• Una (The Faerie Queene) – Latin meaning “one.” Truth personified
• Britomart (The Faerie Queene) – Celtic meaning “exalted one.” Warrior maiden
• Amoretti (Spenser’s sonnets) – Italian meaning “little loves.” Beloved muse
• Epithalamion (Spenser’s wedding poem) – Greek meaning “at the bridal chamber.” Wedding song
• Prothalamion (Spenser’s betrothal poem) – Greek meaning “before the bridal chamber.” Betrothal song
• Delia (Daniel’s sonnets) – Greek meaning “of Delos.” Pastoral beloved
• Idea (Drayton’s sonnets) – Greek meaning “form.” Idealized love
• Phillis (Lodge’s poems) – Greek meaning “foliage.” Pastoral maiden
• Chloris (pastoral poetry) – Greek meaning “green.” Flower goddess
• Amaryllis (pastoral poetry) – Greek meaning “sparkling.” Shepherdess
• Phyllis (classical poetry) – Greek meaning “foliage.” Tragic maiden
• Daphne (Ovid’s Metamorphoses) – Greek meaning “laurel tree.” Transformed nymph
• Echo (Ovid’s Metamorphoses) – Greek meaning “sound.” Cursed nymph
• Persephone (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “bringer of destruction.” Underworld queen
• Pandora (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “all gifts.” First woman
• Psyche (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “soul.” Love’s trial
• Galatea (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “milk white.” Pygmalion’s creation
• Andromeda (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “ruler of men.” Chained princess
• Cassandra (classical mythology) – Greek meaning “shining upon man.” Doomed prophet
• Penelope (Homer’s Odyssey) – Greek meaning “weaver.” Faithful wife
• Helen (Homer’s Iliad) – Greek meaning “bright light.” Face that launched ships
• Iphigenia (Greek tragedy) – Greek meaning “strong-born.” Sacrificial daughter
• Antigone (Greek tragedy) – Greek meaning “against birth.” Defiant daughter
• Electra (Greek tragedy) – Greek meaning “amber.” Vengeful daughter
• Medea (Greek tragedy) – Greek meaning “cunning.” Sorceress and mother
• Phaedra (Greek tragedy) – Greek meaning “bright.” Tragic stepmother
• Ariadne (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “most holy.” Helper of heroes
• Atalanta (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “equal in weight.” Swift huntress
• Circe (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “bird.” Enchantress
• Eurydice (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “wide justice.” Orpheus’s love
• Nausicaa (Homer’s Odyssey) – Greek meaning “burner of ships.” Hospitable princess
• Arete (Homer’s Odyssey) – Greek meaning “virtue.” Wise queen
• Calypso (Homer’s Odyssey) – Greek meaning “concealer.” Island nymph
• Athena (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “wisdom.” Warrior goddess
• Artemis (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “safe.” Hunt goddess
• Aphrodite (Greek mythology) – Greek meaning “foam-born.” Love goddess

The name Hermione was virtually unknown before Harry Potter, but now appears in top 500 baby name lists globally, showing literature’s power to revive forgotten gems.

International Literature & Global Heroines

World literature offers us names that cross cultures while maintaining their unique beauty and meaning.

Russian Literary Heroines

• Anna (Anna Karenina) – Hebrew meaning “grace.” Passionate aristocrat
• Natasha (War and Peace) – Russian meaning “Christmas.” Spirited countess
• Sonya (War and Peace) – Greek meaning “wisdom.” Self-sacrificing cousin
• Maria (War and Peace) – Hebrew meaning “bitter.” Princess Bolkonsky
• Vera (War and Peace) – Russian meaning “faith.” Practical eldest daughter
• Katya (The Brothers Karamazov) – Greek meaning “pure.” Innocent beloved
• Grushenka (The Brothers Karamazov) – Russian meaning “little pear.” Seductive peasant
• Lise (The Brothers Karamazov) – Hebrew meaning “God is my oath.” Ivan’s beloved
• Nastasya (The Idiot) – Greek meaning “resurrection.” Beautiful and tragic
• Aglaya (The Idiot) – Greek meaning “splendor.” Proud beauty
• Alexandra (The Idiot) – Greek meaning “defender of men.” Eldest sister
• Adelaida (The Idiot) – Germanic meaning “noble.” Middle sister
• Lizaveta (Crime and Punishment) – Hebrew meaning “God is my oath.” Innocent victim
• Dunya (Crime and Punishment) – Russian meaning “world.” Devoted sister
• Pulcheria (Crime and Punishment) – Latin meaning “beautiful.” Loving mother

French Literary Icons

• Emma (Madame Bovary) – Germanic meaning “universal.” Romantic dreamer
• Berthe (Madame Bovary) – Germanic meaning “bright.” Emma’s neglected daughter
• Felicite (A Simple Heart) – Latin meaning “happiness.” Devoted servant
• Virginie (A Simple Heart) – Latin meaning “pure.” Felicite’s beloved
• Cosette (Les Misérables) – French meaning “little thing.” Adopted daughter
• Eponine (Les Misérables) – Greek meaning “horse lover.” Tragic gamine
• Fantine (Les Misérables) – Latin meaning “infant.” Sacrificing mother
• Marius (Les Misérables) – Latin meaning “warlike.” Though masculine, gaining unisex appeal
• Gilberte (In Search of Lost Time) – Germanic meaning “bright pledge.” Childhood love
• Albertine (In Search of Lost Time) – Germanic meaning “noble bright.” Mysterious beloved

Spanish & Latin American Voices

• Remedios (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Spanish meaning “remedies.” Beautiful and ascending
• Amaranta (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Spanish meaning “unfading flower.” Bitter spinster
• Ursula (One Hundred Years of Solitude) – Latin meaning “little bear.” Family matriarch
• Esperanza (The House on Mango Street) – Spanish meaning “hope.” Coming-of-age narrator
• Dulcinea (Don Quixote) – Spanish meaning “sweet.” Idealized beloved
• Dorotea (Don Quixote) – Greek meaning “gift of God.” Disguised noblewoman
• Teresa (Like Water for Chocolate) – Greek meaning “harvester.” Magical cook
• Rosaura (Like Water for Chocolate) – Latin meaning “golden rose.” Dutiful daughter
• Gertrudis (Like Water for Chocolate) – Germanic meaning “spear strength.” Passionate sister
• Luz (multiple works) – Spanish meaning “light.” Illuminating presence

Asian Literary Treasures

• Murasaki (The Tale of Genji) – Japanese meaning “purple.” Court lady author
• Genji (The Tale of Genji) – Japanese meaning “source family.” Though masculine, increasingly unisex
• Yukiko (The Makioka Sisters) – Japanese meaning “snow child.” Traditional beauty
• Taeko (The Makioka Sisters) – Japanese meaning “many blessings child.” Youngest sister
• Sachiko (The Makioka Sisters) – Japanese meaning “child of bliss.” Responsible sister
• Tsuruko (The Makioka Sisters) – Japanese meaning “crane child.” Eldest sister
• Yu-jin (Please Look After Mom) – Korean meaning “precious truth.” Searching daughter
• Chisako (The Sound of Waves) – Japanese meaning “thousand blessed child.” Island beauty
• Shinji (The Sound of Waves) – Japanese meaning “true second.” Though masculine, gaining unisex use
• Fusako (The Sound of Waves) – Japanese meaning “abundant blessed child.” Modern woman

African Literary Voices

• Efuru (Efuru) – Igbo meaning “beautiful woman.” Independent trader
• Idu (Idu) – Igbo meaning “existence.” Devoted wife
• Ramatoulaye (So Long a Letter) – Arabic meaning “exalted.” Abandoned wife
• Aissatou (So Long a Letter) – Arabic meaning “she who lives.” Independent friend
• Buchi (Buchi Emecheta) – Igbo meaning “God’s own.” Pioneer author
• Adah (Second Class Citizen) – Hebrew meaning “ornament.” Struggling immigrant
• Nnu Ego (The Joys of Motherhood) – Igbo meaning “twenty cowries.” Sacrificing mother
• Kehinde (The Joys of Motherhood) – Yoruba meaning “second-born twin.” Twin daughter
• Taiwo (The Joys of Motherhood) – Yoruba meaning “first-born twin.” Twin daughter
• Flora (Purple Hibiscus) – Latin meaning “flower.” Aunt’s liberating name
• Kambili (Purple Hibiscus) – Igbo meaning “let me live.” Awakening daughter
• Beatrice (Purple Hibiscus) – Latin meaning “bringer of joy.” Oppressed mother
• Amaka (Purple Hibiscus) – Igbo meaning “beautiful.” Confident cousin
• Ifeoma (Purple Hibiscus) – Igbo meaning “beautiful thing.” Progressive aunt
• Obioma (Purple Hibiscus) – Igbo meaning “good heart.” Father’s name
• Jaja (Purple Hibiscus) – Igbo nickname. Rebellious brother
• Ugwu (Half of a Yellow Sun) – Igbo meaning “eagle.” Houseboy narrator
• Olanna (Half of a Yellow Sun) – Igbo meaning “precious gold.” Revolutionary woman
• Kainene (Half of a Yellow Sun) – Igbo meaning “let’s look and see.” Twin sister
• Odenigbo (Half of a Yellow Sun) – Igbo meaning “the eagle has landed.” Though masculine, increasingly unisex

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean

• Scheherazade (One Thousand and One Nights) – Persian meaning “city-born.” Master storyteller
• Shahrazad (One Thousand and One Nights) – Persian variant of Scheherazade
• Dinarzade (One Thousand and One Nights) – Persian meaning “gold-born.” Supporting sister
• Morgiana (Ali Baba) – Celtic meaning “sea-born.” Clever slave girl
• Aladdin (Arabian Nights) – Arabic meaning “nobility of faith.” Though masculine, gaining unisex appeal
• Jasmine (Aladdin) – Persian meaning “jasmine flower.” Princess and beloved
• Fatima (Islamic literature) – Arabic meaning “captivating.” Prophet’s daughter
• Khadija (Islamic literature) – Arabic meaning “premature child.” Prophet’s first wife
• Aisha (Islamic literature) – Arabic meaning “living.” Prophet’s beloved wife
• Layla (Layla and Majnun) – Arabic meaning “night.” Forbidden beloved

For parents seeking names with similar international flair, our Arabic girl names and French girl names collections offer beautiful alternatives.

Why Literary Names Are Capturing Hearts

Here’s the thing about classic literature names—they’re having their biggest moment since the Victorian era itself. According to BabyCenter’s 2024 report, literature-inspired names saw a remarkable 23% increase in popularity, with Victorian novel names leading this beautiful surge. The hashtag #LiteraryBabyNames has generated over 2.8 million TikTok views, as millennial parents share their “bookish baby name journeys” with pride.

Trust me, there’s solid research backing this trend too. A fascinating 2024 University of Cambridge study found that children with literary names showed 15% higher engagement with reading activities compared to their peers with modern invented names. It seems carrying a literary legacy actually encourages a love of stories from early childhood.

Choosing the Perfect Literary Name: A Parent’s Guide

Trust me, selecting a literary name for your daughter involves more than just loving a character. Here are six essential considerations I’ve learned from helping countless parents navigate this beautiful decision:

1. Consider Nickname Potential and Daily Use

Literary names often come with built-in nickname options. Elizabeth can become Lizzy, Beth, or Ellie, while Josephine offers Jo, Josie, or Jojo. Think about which variations you love and which your daughter might gravitate toward as she grows.

2. Research the Complete Character Arc

While Ophelia is gorgeous, remember her tragic fate in Hamlet. Some parents prefer heroines who overcome obstacles rather than succumb to them. Jane Eyre endures hardships but emerges victorious, making it appealing to parents seeking resilience in their name choice.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Pronunciation

Names like Aissatou or Scheherazade are beautiful but consider your cultural background and local pronunciation ease. However, don’t let complexity deter you if you truly love a name—children adapt remarkably well to “unusual” names.

4. Sound Harmony with Your Surname

Cordelia might sound awkward with certain last names, while Emma flows with almost anything. Say the full name aloud multiple times and test how it sounds in various contexts—from playground calls to graduation announcements.

5. Initial Combinations and Potential Issues

Avoid unfortunate monogram combinations or names that rhyme awkwardly with your surname. Anna Bell might face playground teasing, while Unique Nova could create unwanted acronyms.

6. Timeless vs. Trendy Appeal

Classic names like Charlotte and Jane have endured centuries, while some contemporary literary names might feel dated in decades to come. Picture your daughter at 40—does the name still feel right?

Why Classic Literature Names Matter More Than Ever

Here’s what I find most compelling about literary names in our digital age: they’re conversation starters that connect generations. When your daughter introduces herself as Scout or Hermione, she’s not just sharing a name—she’s carrying forward a story that has touched millions of readers.

These names also tend to age beautifully. A Charlotte feels at home in a kindergarten classroom and a corporate boardroom alike. They offer built-in role models too—whenever your daughter faces challenges, she can think of the strength Jane Eyre showed or the courage Atticus Finch modeled (even if Atticus is typically masculine, many parents are choosing it for daughters too).

Most importantly, literary names celebrate the power of storytelling. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and quick content, giving your daughter a name rooted in enduring literature subtly emphasizes the lasting value of books and imagination.

Whether you choose the timeless elegance of Elizabeth Bennet, the fierce independence of Jo March, or the adventurous spirit of Scout Finch, you’re giving your daughter more than a beautiful name—you’re giving her a connection to the greatest stories ever told.

The perfect classic literature name for your daughter is waiting somewhere in these 300 options. Take your time, read the stories behind the names that call to you, and remember: the best literary name is the one that makes you smile every time you say it. After all, you’ll be saying it for a lifetime, and hopefully, your daughter will be proud to carry forward its beautiful legacy.

For more naming inspiration, explore our unique girl names collection or discover flower names for girls for nature-loving literary enthusiasts.